I really appreciate your briefs on courtroom procedures and protocols, especially since we will be seeing much more courtroom action at this stage of the Sturm und Drang show that is Trump. All of us without a law degree owe you a debt of honor for taking us beyond Perry Mason.
Jim, also great for those of us with law degrees that Joyce lays out the process so clearly and understandably. I never really learned “legalese”, so I treasure Joyce too! '
Golly Joyce, just reading your round up of all that is going on makes me realize what a stupendous task the DOJ has in trying to round up all the criminality associated with the last administration. I’m almost willing to bet though that as far as Mark Meadows is concerned, he’s probably lolled back in his easy beach chair at his South Carolina home and out of any incoming fire from the press. It’s just ridiculously hard to recognize this country that I grew up in rapidly reverting to the 19th Century by a minority of old white men! How utterly disgusting that my generation, along with several younger than I, are leaving this mess to our grandchildren. I’ll be 77 Wednesday and I just hope I live long enough to see tfg get all the Justice he deserves.
I’m betting Trump will violate the protective order, then use any sanction against him as “proof” that he is being persecuted because he’s running for office. Please donate here! 🙄
@Gisele Dubson: Trump cannot keep his mouth shut. That is why Judge Mershon is having a session with Trump and his lawyers to make it very very clear that Trump has to STFU about anything and everything his lawyers learn during the Discovery portion of this trial, where both defense and prosecutors exchange certain information. If (when) Trump talks about said information, trying to politicize it, etc. I believe he will be held in Contempt.
I agree. So when he is held in contempt, what then? Will he be fined? A useless gesture, since he pays nothing he owes. Will he then be jailed? He gets away with crimes no one of us ever would.
This useless excuse for an American needs to be imprisoned for what he has done - committed treason against the United States.
If not imprisoned, then exiled from this country. It's time to be done with him.
I still find it impossible to believe he'll end up in prison. Not that I don't wish it with all my heart. It's not justice when the foot soldiers get prison sentences for the violence they committed on Jan 6, but the mastermind and cult leader behind the sedition isn't likely to spend a single day behind bars and can still run for president.
It feels like Trump is still getting away with everything because he is an ex-pres and now a political candidate. He was always only in it to gain the privileges. He does not deserve this much respect, sadly. The week ahead will be interesting. I very much appreciate your awesome newsletters. Thank you.
Agree 100%, and at the same time it's sobering to realize just how many dodges a miscreant (sorry -- I know that's not a legal term) can use if he has the money and/or the public support to get away with it. I totally get, and support, "innocent till proven guilty" but at the same time I and everyone else here knows how often the innocent are "proven" guilty PDQ if they don't have the financial and/or political backing to resist. Trump isn't the only one getting away with this crap. He's not even the worst. Think about the oil companies. Think about the tobacco companies of yesteryear. Justice may be blind, but Justice has their ears open -- and money talks. Loudly.
Thank you for these summaries. They cover questions about the legal process and progress (or lack of it) in a way that other media don't do as completely.
Jerry: my mother’s family is Gelfand and I wonder if we are related given the errors that were made at Ellis Island? We were Ukrainian from Zvanitz and Chatine on the Dnieper River! There once were 10,000 Jews there before the slaughter. I’ve visited there and amazingly the Mayor who was a truck driver was Jewish.
My father's name is from Lodz in Poland. I had wondered whether the 2 names are variations, but the consistency of the Helfand name in Poland makes me wonder if the divergence of H from G occurred during an earlier migration of Jews escaping persecution. Nice that you got to visit.
Does it seem to anyone else that when Republican state lawmakers are in control, they can ram new bills through their legislatures at lightning speed. You know, anti-abortion, banning books, eliminating tenure or DEI at universities in their states, basically dumbing down colleges in their states. How come Democrats cannot move just as fast to counter these bills/laws? Florida is a state I will NEVER set foot in again, and Texas would be on that list if I didn't live here. We watched the John Sayles movie Lone Star tonight because my girlfriend had never seen it. I've now seen it about 5 times. It's a must see if you like a good mystery, and it sports a really excellent cast. I liked how the story blends the various races into the different times we've lived in, and how people acted with each other then and now. Anyway, I remain fearful for our immediate future because I live off my social security monthly checks as does my girlfriend. As an Army Veteran, I rely on Rx's and medical care from my VA clinic here in College Station. As the debt ceiling debacle edges closer, doubts are rising that the Speaker of the House has the brains to do what is right here. Plus, Republicans in mass seem to be getting away with near criminal activities all over the country, but no one brings them to justice. That has to change. Carry on.
“The protective order Judge Merchan entered provides that “any materials and information provided by the People to the Defense in accordance with their discovery obligations ... shall be used solely for the purposes of preparing a defense in this matter.”
This is akin to a decree in a mob boss trial. Oh, wait a minute...that’s what we have here. A mob boss, granted a third rate, dumb as a rock one who by some horrible quirk of fate was elected to the presidency, but a mob boss all the same, and a damn poor one at best. I am not defending mob bosses here, but don’t you think they’d want to disown Donald Trump as one of their own? The whole idea of being a successful mob boss is to not let anyone know anything, and TFG just can’t himself. He’s his own stool pigeon.
The thought of him blabbering on scares me because of what his hate-filled followers will do to anyone he calls out, scaring people not to speak out. Is that what a mob boss does, or is that the MO of someone with more dangerous, violent intentions?
Very likely as he can’t control himself. Joyce, as an attorney, I can’t understand how the muzzle of Trump out of court could legally affect his conviction in court so that he could have a sound grounding for an appeal? His potential violation of the Court’s order regarding misuse of privileged information would seem to me to be independent of a criminal verdict?
DOJ is two years too late. Slow...too slow. Trump is busy taking down the country and is behind the debt ceiling crisis. Excuse me for my impatience but it all happened live broadcast.
Agree, they want the debt ceiling crisis so they can blame Biden for the state of the economy that will result. This is all to win back the White House.
Slow motion - I fear that is the key. Wait long enough for the wheels of justice to turn, and we will see Trump re-elected (he leads in the polls at this point), and then he can make all this stuff go away.
Thank you, Joyce! I'm glad you brought up Ginny Thomas, because I was going to comment that if you want to know where Mark Meadows is, ask her! She's probably still texting him on some other platform. We're taking a breather this week, and I'll "enjoy" the news when we get back on Thursday.
Thank you for your explanations of what is going on using your legal expertise. I find it very helpful. Jumping ahead, I am wondering what happens if/when Trump violates the conditions that the judge sets forth. What does contempt of court look like in terms of consequences for Donald Trump?
5 billion dollar duct tape, which he has to pay for out of his pocket. If it bankrupts him, oh well. His friends can bail him out. Of course, he does not have any real friends, just hanger-ons.
I don’t think I’d go visit St Petersburg right now if I were you. Even if I didn’t find your name on Putin’s list, I doesn’t mean he wouldn’t try to take you.
I’ve been wondering about Meadows too. Anyone know if he still has his passport?
Thanks Joyce for your details. I’m not angry, only sad that it has all come to this. High melodrama. I heard a great podcast today from Brene Brown who gives talks on how to find our inner power and emphasizes it is not the critic who counts when we endeavor to overcome our fears as she explains that overcoming vulnerability takes courage and that there is no courage without vulnerability and in our country we need courageous leadership to set our country back on track. I do believe that Biden is one. As far as TFG or Meadows, remembering that it is not the critic who counts here can help us move forward. Thanks for inspiring me today in this new wisdom. Great show on Saturday with Sisters in Law in New York City 👏🇺🇸
I really appreciate your briefs on courtroom procedures and protocols, especially since we will be seeing much more courtroom action at this stage of the Sturm und Drang show that is Trump. All of us without a law degree owe you a debt of honor for taking us beyond Perry Mason.
Jim, also great for those of us with law degrees that Joyce lays out the process so clearly and understandably. I never really learned “legalese”, so I treasure Joyce too! '
Joyce is writing mostly in legalese, just the better kind.
Golly Joyce, just reading your round up of all that is going on makes me realize what a stupendous task the DOJ has in trying to round up all the criminality associated with the last administration. I’m almost willing to bet though that as far as Mark Meadows is concerned, he’s probably lolled back in his easy beach chair at his South Carolina home and out of any incoming fire from the press. It’s just ridiculously hard to recognize this country that I grew up in rapidly reverting to the 19th Century by a minority of old white men! How utterly disgusting that my generation, along with several younger than I, are leaving this mess to our grandchildren. I’ll be 77 Wednesday and I just hope I live long enough to see tfg get all the Justice he deserves.
SPW: May you live long and prosper!! Also, may President Biden have a resounding victory in November/2024.
Thank you and I’m going to be Ridin’ with Biden in 2024 for sure.
I’m betting Trump will violate the protective order, then use any sanction against him as “proof” that he is being persecuted because he’s running for office. Please donate here! 🙄
@Gisele Dubson: Trump cannot keep his mouth shut. That is why Judge Mershon is having a session with Trump and his lawyers to make it very very clear that Trump has to STFU about anything and everything his lawyers learn during the Discovery portion of this trial, where both defense and prosecutors exchange certain information. If (when) Trump talks about said information, trying to politicize it, etc. I believe he will be held in Contempt.
I agree. So when he is held in contempt, what then? Will he be fined? A useless gesture, since he pays nothing he owes. Will he then be jailed? He gets away with crimes no one of us ever would.
This useless excuse for an American needs to be imprisoned for what he has done - committed treason against the United States.
If not imprisoned, then exiled from this country. It's time to be done with him.
I vote for him to finally be locked up so his mouth is given a forced rest! But doubt it will happen.
I still find it impossible to believe he'll end up in prison. Not that I don't wish it with all my heart. It's not justice when the foot soldiers get prison sentences for the violence they committed on Jan 6, but the mastermind and cult leader behind the sedition isn't likely to spend a single day behind bars and can still run for president.
Sadly, I agree.
Sounds like s good bet. Trump snd his buddies belong in prison. Justice has been delayed too long.
It feels like Trump is still getting away with everything because he is an ex-pres and now a political candidate. He was always only in it to gain the privileges. He does not deserve this much respect, sadly. The week ahead will be interesting. I very much appreciate your awesome newsletters. Thank you.
Agree 100%, and at the same time it's sobering to realize just how many dodges a miscreant (sorry -- I know that's not a legal term) can use if he has the money and/or the public support to get away with it. I totally get, and support, "innocent till proven guilty" but at the same time I and everyone else here knows how often the innocent are "proven" guilty PDQ if they don't have the financial and/or political backing to resist. Trump isn't the only one getting away with this crap. He's not even the worst. Think about the oil companies. Think about the tobacco companies of yesteryear. Justice may be blind, but Justice has their ears open -- and money talks. Loudly.
Thank you for these summaries. They cover questions about the legal process and progress (or lack of it) in a way that other media don't do as completely.
Jerry: my mother’s family is Gelfand and I wonder if we are related given the errors that were made at Ellis Island? We were Ukrainian from Zvanitz and Chatine on the Dnieper River! There once were 10,000 Jews there before the slaughter. I’ve visited there and amazingly the Mayor who was a truck driver was Jewish.
My father's name is from Lodz in Poland. I had wondered whether the 2 names are variations, but the consistency of the Helfand name in Poland makes me wonder if the divergence of H from G occurred during an earlier migration of Jews escaping persecution. Nice that you got to visit.
Thanks Jerry; I’ll still think we are related politically if not generationally!
Does it seem to anyone else that when Republican state lawmakers are in control, they can ram new bills through their legislatures at lightning speed. You know, anti-abortion, banning books, eliminating tenure or DEI at universities in their states, basically dumbing down colleges in their states. How come Democrats cannot move just as fast to counter these bills/laws? Florida is a state I will NEVER set foot in again, and Texas would be on that list if I didn't live here. We watched the John Sayles movie Lone Star tonight because my girlfriend had never seen it. I've now seen it about 5 times. It's a must see if you like a good mystery, and it sports a really excellent cast. I liked how the story blends the various races into the different times we've lived in, and how people acted with each other then and now. Anyway, I remain fearful for our immediate future because I live off my social security monthly checks as does my girlfriend. As an Army Veteran, I rely on Rx's and medical care from my VA clinic here in College Station. As the debt ceiling debacle edges closer, doubts are rising that the Speaker of the House has the brains to do what is right here. Plus, Republicans in mass seem to be getting away with near criminal activities all over the country, but no one brings them to justice. That has to change. Carry on.
McCarthy doesn’t have the brains, integrity, courage or honor to end the debacle. He is afraid of MTG.
“The protective order Judge Merchan entered provides that “any materials and information provided by the People to the Defense in accordance with their discovery obligations ... shall be used solely for the purposes of preparing a defense in this matter.”
This is akin to a decree in a mob boss trial. Oh, wait a minute...that’s what we have here. A mob boss, granted a third rate, dumb as a rock one who by some horrible quirk of fate was elected to the presidency, but a mob boss all the same, and a damn poor one at best. I am not defending mob bosses here, but don’t you think they’d want to disown Donald Trump as one of their own? The whole idea of being a successful mob boss is to not let anyone know anything, and TFG just can’t himself. He’s his own stool pigeon.
The thought of him blabbering on scares me because of what his hate-filled followers will do to anyone he calls out, scaring people not to speak out. Is that what a mob boss does, or is that the MO of someone with more dangerous, violent intentions?
Yes.
Very likely as he can’t control himself. Joyce, as an attorney, I can’t understand how the muzzle of Trump out of court could legally affect his conviction in court so that he could have a sound grounding for an appeal? His potential violation of the Court’s order regarding misuse of privileged information would seem to me to be independent of a criminal verdict?
DOJ is two years too late. Slow...too slow. Trump is busy taking down the country and is behind the debt ceiling crisis. Excuse me for my impatience but it all happened live broadcast.
Agree, they want the debt ceiling crisis so they can blame Biden for the state of the economy that will result. This is all to win back the White House.
Thank you for your detailed update. It seems like this whole mess is coming to a head in slow motion. Peace🙏🏼☮️
Slow motion - I fear that is the key. Wait long enough for the wheels of justice to turn, and we will see Trump re-elected (he leads in the polls at this point), and then he can make all this stuff go away.
Thank you, Joyce! I'm glad you brought up Ginny Thomas, because I was going to comment that if you want to know where Mark Meadows is, ask her! She's probably still texting him on some other platform. We're taking a breather this week, and I'll "enjoy" the news when we get back on Thursday.
She probably is.
Thank you for your explanations of what is going on using your legal expertise. I find it very helpful. Jumping ahead, I am wondering what happens if/when Trump violates the conditions that the judge sets forth. What does contempt of court look like in terms of consequences for Donald Trump?
Linda: Not sure of contempt consequences from the court for tfg…but let’s hope it’s duct tape.
5 billion dollar duct tape, which he has to pay for out of his pocket. If it bankrupts him, oh well. His friends can bail him out. Of course, he does not have any real friends, just hanger-ons.
Thank you for mentioning Mark Meadows. I've been wondering about him, too.
I don’t think I’d go visit St Petersburg right now if I were you. Even if I didn’t find your name on Putin’s list, I doesn’t mean he wouldn’t try to take you.
I’ve been wondering about Meadows too. Anyone know if he still has his passport?
My friend’s son visited St. Petersburg while he was studying abroad during his senior year in college (2019) - it seems like a different era now!
Thanks Joyce for your details. I’m not angry, only sad that it has all come to this. High melodrama. I heard a great podcast today from Brene Brown who gives talks on how to find our inner power and emphasizes it is not the critic who counts when we endeavor to overcome our fears as she explains that overcoming vulnerability takes courage and that there is no courage without vulnerability and in our country we need courageous leadership to set our country back on track. I do believe that Biden is one. As far as TFG or Meadows, remembering that it is not the critic who counts here can help us move forward. Thanks for inspiring me today in this new wisdom. Great show on Saturday with Sisters in Law in New York City 👏🇺🇸
Thank you, Joyce.